Exiled former Thai PM vows to return after polls
Exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has said he plans to return home, a year to the day since he was ousted in a bloodless coup.
By PTI |
LONDON: Exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Wednesday said he still planned to return home, a year to the day since he was ousted in a bloodless coup.
"I will go back but after the election... I will probably have to wait until the election, when the new government is installed," he told BBC radio.
"I can't be sure when but that's my idea initially. The situation in Thailand is changing every day."
Thaksin, Thailand's longest-serving elected prime minister, was removed from power on September 19, 2006 when tanks rolled into the capital Bangkok.
Army chief General Sonthi Booyaratglin said he overthrew the twice-elected leader to end political turmoil, reunite a divided nation and rid Thailand of corrupt politicians.
The military junta is now pursuing the flamboyant billionaire, who fled to Britain and has since bought English Premier League side Manchester City, on alleged corruption charges, which he denies.
Meanwhile elections have been called for December 23 and a new constitution was passed in a referendum last month, although there was a strong "no" vote, particularly in poorer regions where Thaksin retains support.
The former leader told the BBC there was still a need for national reconciliation in Thailand and questioned the junta's use of power, accusing them of stifling opposition.
"I will go back but after the election... I will probably have to wait until the election, when the new government is installed," he told BBC radio.
"I can't be sure when but that's my idea initially. The situation in Thailand is changing every day."
Thaksin, Thailand's longest-serving elected prime minister, was removed from power on September 19, 2006 when tanks rolled into the capital Bangkok.
Army chief General Sonthi Booyaratglin said he overthrew the twice-elected leader to end political turmoil, reunite a divided nation and rid Thailand of corrupt politicians.
The military junta is now pursuing the flamboyant billionaire, who fled to Britain and has since bought English Premier League side Manchester City, on alleged corruption charges, which he denies.
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Meanwhile elections have been called for December 23 and a new constitution was passed in a referendum last month, although there was a strong "no" vote, particularly in poorer regions where Thaksin retains support.
The former leader told the BBC there was still a need for national reconciliation in Thailand and questioned the junta's use of power, accusing them of stifling opposition.
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